Lance’s voice was cold and final. "If you want death, I’ll grant it."His boot lashed out.CRACK!Sophia’s knee buckled as she collapsed, pain shooting through her leg. Her scream echoed through the hall as she hit the floor. Before she could recover, Lance pressed his boot against the back of her head, shoving her face into the marble."AHHH!" she shrieked, struggling in vain."SOPHIA, NO!" Adrian bellowed, his voice breaking. He dragged himself forward, blood dripping from his lips, his eyes blazing with fury and desperation. "Lance, how dare you humiliate her like that?!"Lance didn’t spare him a glance. His foot pressed down harder.Sophia's muffled screams filled the air as she struggled beneath Lance's boot, her face pressed against the cold marble floor. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clawed desperately at the ground."Adrian! Help me!" she sobbed, her voice laced with desperation.Adrian's hands trembled, his body frozen in place. He wanted to rush forward, to tear Lanc

Victoria, emboldened, turned to Lance, her expression twisted with contempt. “Have you no shame? Hiding behind a woman? Letting her fight for you?” She shot Darren a glance. “Both of them deserve to be executed.”Adrian’s lips curled into a smirk as he crossed his arms. “Lance, get on your knees. Your only backing is powerless before the Warlord.”Darren’s eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure as he locked onto Lance. “I’ll give you one last chance. Kneel and beg for mercy, or I’ll cut you down where you stand.” Then his gaze flickered to Selene, his grin turning lecherous. “And you... such a beautiful woman. Join the deserter’s daughter in my bed tonight, and maybe I’ll beg the Warlord to spare your life.”“Enough!” Evelyn’s cry of frustration rang through the hall as she stepped forward, tears brimming in her eyes. “Leave our family alone! We have done nothing wrong!”Darren barely spared her a glance before shoving her aside. She stumbled, gasping as she hit the floor. In one fluid m

Ashley’s eyes flashed with fury. She tore herself from her mother’s grip and strode forward, her voice sharp as a blade. “Seduce your man?” she spat. “Weren’t you the one who seduced Adrian? I was married to him first!” Her lips curled in disgust. “I’m done with both of you. You can have him. You deserve each other.”Sophia’s face twisted in rage. “How dare you—” Her hand shot up, poised to strike Ashley across the face.But before the blow could land, a powerful hand caught her wrist in midair.It was Lance.Lance’s grip tightened around Sophia’s wrist, his voice calm but laced with menace. “I already gave you a chance,” he said, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “But it seems you have a death wish and I will grant it to you.”Sophia yanked her arm free, her lips curling into a smirk. “A death wish?” she scoffed, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “Are you not tired of the pretense? The Warlord will be here any moment." "What makes you think I will be scared of someone who’s

Selene turned to her, a proud smirk gracing her lips. "Yes, Ashley. Your father is not a deserter. He is a hero."The Warlord, still on his knees, clenched his fists. His voice, though steady, carried deep shame."General, I have failed you. It is my fault for not disciplining my subordinates. That is why they had the audacity to disrespect you. Please, punish me. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit."The room held its breath as Lance's cold, calculating gaze bore into the Warlord. Then, in a tone that sent shivers through the hall, he spoke."You have served in the army for years. And you admit your mistake." "I will not execute you." His voice turned razor-sharp. "But you are hereby stripped of your position as Warlord. If something like this ever happens again… I will not be so merciful."The Warlord did not protest. Instead, he bowed his head, slamming it against the marble floor with force."Thank you, General! Thank you, General!"The weight of the moment crushed ever

Lance clenched his jaw. His fingers tightened around the phone.A soft touch on his arm made him turn. Evelyn was awake, her eyes searching his face. She had heard enough to know what was happening.“Lance, no,” she whispered, shaking her head. “You're retired... You don't need to do this.”He cupped her cheek gently. “Evelyn, I have to do this.”“No, you don’t,” she pleaded, her grip on his wrist tightening. “You promised me. You promised us.”His heart twisted at the fear in her eyes, but he could not ignore the duty calling him. “I made another promise long ago—to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”Evelyn closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek. She knew that look in his eyes. There was no going back, Lance had already made up his mind.Lance turned back to the phone. “Mr. President, I’m on my way.”As soon as the words left his mouth, he swung out of bed, grabbing his gear. The moment he stepped into the hallway, his men were already waiting. Selene saluted him.